Raising baby chicks is a rewarding experience, but it comes with a lot of responsibilities, including providing them with the proper nutrition to ensure their healthy growth and development. As a new chicken keeper, you may have many questions about what to feed your chicks, when to feed them, and how to prepare their food. This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about feeding baby chicks.
What to Feed Baby Chicks
The best and most important food for baby chicks is a specially formulated chick starter feed. Chick starter feed is designed to provide all the necessary essential nutrients that baby chicks need to grow and develop, including protein, fat, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. The protein content in chick starter feed should be between 18-20% to support the growth of their feathers, muscles, and bones.
Medicated vs Non-Medicated Feed
Medicated and non-medicated feed are two types of poultry feed that are formulated to meet the nutritional needs of baby chicks.
Medicated feed is typically used to prevent and treat coccidiosis, a common parasite that can cause diarrhea, weight loss, and even death in baby chicks. This type of feed is often fed to baby chicks from hatch until they are 4 to 6 weeks old, or until they have been fully vaccinated against coccidiosis.
On the other hand, non-medicated feed is a good choice for those who prefer to avoid the use of antibiotics in their poultry feed or for those who are raising chicks that are already vaccinated against common illnesses and parasites. Non-medicated feed typically contains a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals that baby chicks need for growth and development.
It's important to note that the overuse of antibiotics in poultry feed can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the instructions on the feed label carefully and to only use medicated feed when necessary. Additionally, if you have concerns about the use of medicated feed, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian or poultry specialist for advice on the best approach for your chicks.
In conclusion, both medicated and non-medicated feed can be used to feed baby chicks, but the best choice will depend on the specific needs and health status of your flock.
When to Feed Baby Chicks
It is recommended to feed baby chicks as soon as they hatch, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing their food intake as they grow. Chicks should have access to feed and water at all times, and their feeders should be filled to capacity once a day, or as needed, to ensure that they are always eating enough.
How to Prepare the Feed
Chick starter feed should be crumbled or finely ground to make it easy for the chicks to consume. This is especially important during the first few weeks of life when their beaks are still soft and unable to peck at larger pieces of feed. You can also add some warm water to the feed to make a moist mash that is easier for the chicks to digest.
Water
In addition to feed, it is essential to provide clean water for the chicks to drink. Chicks can become dehydrated quickly, so it is important to make sure that their water source is always clean and available. You can use a waterer that is designed specifically for chicks, or a shallow dish, but make sure to change the water frequently and keep it free of debris.
Transitioning to Grower Feed
As the chicks grow and mature, it is important to gradually transition them from chick starter feed to grower feed. Grower feed has a slightly lower protein content and provides more carbohydrates and minerals to support their growth and development. The transition from chick starter feed to grower feed should occur around 8-12 weeks of age, or when the chicks have outgrown their chick starter feed.
Feed for Laying Hens
If you are raising laying hens, it is important to switch from grower feed to a layer feed once they start laying eggs. Layer feed is formulated to provide the necessary nutrients for egg production, including higher levels of supplemental calcium for strong eggshells.
Feed for Meat Birds
If you are raising meat birds, you can continue feeding them grower feed until they reach their target weight and are ready for processing. Then, they can be switched to a maintenance feed to help maintain their weight and keep them healthy until they are processed.
What Not to Feed Baby Chicks
There are a number of common foods that should be avoided when feeding baby chicks. Understanding what not to feed baby chicks is just as important as understanding what to feed them.
Moldy or Spoiled Feed:
Moldy or spoiled feed can contain harmful bacteria and toxins that can cause illness or death in baby chicks. Always check the feed for any signs of spoilage or mold before giving it to the chicks, and avoid feeding them any feed that is past its expiration date.
Raw Eggs:
While eggs are a great source of protein, feeding baby chicks raw eggs can actually cause them to develop a biotin deficiency, which can lead to stunted growth and even death. Cooked eggs are safe to feed to baby chicks, but they should only be given as a treat in moderation and not as a regular part of their diet. By moderation, 90% of their diet should comprise of commercial chicken feed and 10% of treats and snacks.
Avocados:
Avocados contain persin, a toxin that is harmful to baby chicks and can cause them to become sick or die. It is best to avoid feeding avocados to baby chicks entirely.
Citrus Fruits:
Citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges, are also toxic to baby chicks and should be avoided. The high acid content in these fruits can cause digestive problems and can even be lethal.
Onions and Garlic:
Onions and garlic contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which are toxic to baby chicks and can cause anemia, digestive problems, and death. It is best to avoid feeding these foods to baby chicks.
Chocolate:
Chocolate contains theobromine, a toxic substance that is harmful to baby chicks and can cause heart problems, seizures, and death. Avoid giving chocolate to baby chicks, and keep it stored securely away from their reach.
Rhubarb Leaves:
Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid, which is toxic to baby chicks and can cause digestive problems and death. Only the stalks of rhubarb should be consumed, and the leaves should be discarded.
Grains with Hulls:
Grains with hulls, such as barley, wheat, and corn, can cause digestive problems and impact the growth of baby chicks. It is best to avoid feeding these grains and instead, opt for a specially formulated chick starter feed that provides the necessary nutrients for their growth and development.
Conclusion:
Feeding baby chicks is an important part of raising chickens, and providing them with the proper nutrition is crucial to their healthy growth and development. But providing them with the wrong type of food or substances can be dangerous and even deadly.
Follow the guidelines outlined in this article, and you can ensure that your chicks receive the best possible nutrition and have the best chance of growing into strong and healthy adult chickens. Whether you are raising laying hens or meat birds, it is essential to provide your flock with the right type of feed at the right time to support their growth and development.
